The Pillbug
Our first three customers, glanced up and over their sand stirring and scooping at the insect perched on the Queen's palm and said in answer to "What do you call this?" "Bug." "Bug." "Worm."
A view from the bridge
We can easily argue that this time spent outdoors, actively looking for the story nature leaves for us to read along the creek is better than any teacher-manufactured activity in a classroom. If this is kindergarten preparedness, give me a heaping dose of it every single day.
The Glowing
We are in an urban forest and wildlife is not hard to find, but the wildlife we see is in perpetual danger from humans. Especially this vixen and here she was now, dead. She had been poisoned. She would have been more effective in killing the rats and mice the poison was intended for if she had been allowed to live.
Stories 'round the Campfire
On these cold days, the children don't sit for a long time at the fire. The children get on with the work of their day, their play. Today, there was such joy in the cold air.
Top of the World
She also never gave up. There were frustrated tears and there was comforting and encouragement. All that was followed by steely resolve and months, months of trial and error, trial and error. This is the kind of confidence builder you cannot manufacture or lesson plan out. And she will carry it with her always.